Video editing is no longer a skill reserved for professionals with high-end equipment. Today, anyone with a smartphone can create engaging and cinematic content. One of the most popular editing techniques is the split screen effect, where two or more videos are displayed on the same screen at once.
This style is perfect for comparison videos, reaction clips, tutorials, vlogs, and even creative storytelling. With apps like InShot, you can achieve this effect quickly without complicated software.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down step-by-step how to create split screen videos in InShot using both Android and iOS devices.
By the end, you will not only know the technical process but also learn pro tips, creative applications, and ways to optimize your videos for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This tutorial is designed to be highly detailed, so whether you are a beginner or intermediate editor, you’ll find value in mastering this feature.
Why Use Split Screen Videos?
Before diving into the editing process, let’s first understand why split screen videos are trending:
- Storytelling: Split screens allow you to show two perspectives simultaneously, enhancing narrative impact.
- Comparisons: Useful for product reviews, before-and-after edits, or side-by-side tutorials.
- Engagement: Multi-clip visuals keep audiences entertained longer, reducing drop-off rates.
- Social Media Optimization: On platforms where users scroll quickly, a dynamic split screen grabs attention instantly.
- Creativity: Opens up room for innovative content creation such as reactions, challenges, or music syncs.
InShot simplifies this by providing built-in tools for overlays, canvas adjustment, and split effects, so you don’t need professional editing software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.
Getting Started with InShot
To use split screen features in InShot, you need the latest version of the app. While the free version works fine for basic edits, some advanced features such as removing watermarks or unlocking specific overlays may require InShot Pro. Here’s what you need before starting:
- InShot App: Downloadable from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Clips or Photos: Prepare at least two videos or images you want to use in your split screen project.
- Storage Space: Ensure your phone has enough storage to process multiple high-resolution clips.
- Updated OS: The latest iOS or Android updates provide smoother functionality.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Split Screen Videos in InShot
Step 1: Open InShot and Start a New Project
Launch InShot on your device. Tap on Video and choose the primary video you want to edit. This will act as your base clip for the split screen effect.
Step 2: Import the Secondary Video
After selecting your base video, tap on the “PIP” (Picture-in-Picture) feature. This allows you to overlay another video or photo on top of the first one. Browse your gallery and select the second video clip.
Step 3: Adjust the Overlay Size
By default, the overlay video will appear as a smaller rectangle on top of the base video. Use your fingers to resize and drag it. For a vertical split screen, drag the overlay to cover half of the screen. For a horizontal split, adjust accordingly.
Step 4: Align the Videos
Precision is key. Use InShot’s grid and alignment guides to make sure both videos are balanced. You can split the screen evenly (50/50) or create custom ratios like 70/30 depending on your creative idea.
Step 5: Trim and Sync the Clips
If the two videos are of different lengths, trim them using the Trim tool. To create smoother storytelling, synchronize both clips so they start at the right moment together. This is especially useful for music videos or side-by-side comparisons.
Step 6: Add Borders (Optional)
Sometimes, split screens look better with visible borders. InShot allows you to add colored lines or gaps between the two clips. Tap on Canvas → Background and choose a solid color or gradient.
Step 7: Enhance with Effects and Filters
Apply filters, color corrections, or even transitions within each clip. InShot ensures each video retains its unique effects without interfering with the other.
Step 8: Add Text and Stickers
To highlight comparisons or storytelling, add text labels or stickers to indicate what’s happening in each half. For example, “Before” on one side and “After” on the other.
Step 9: Adjust Sound
When two clips play simultaneously, audio can clash. Mute one video and keep the other, or use background music instead. InShot lets you add custom audio tracks, voiceovers, or fade effects for smoother sound design.
Step 10: Export the Final Video
Once satisfied, tap on Save. Choose the resolution (720p, 1080p, or 4K). Higher resolutions take more storage but look better for platforms like YouTube. Export and share directly to social media or save it to your gallery.
Creative Ways to Use Split Screen in InShot
Now that you know the basics, let’s explore how you can creatively apply split screen videos in different niches:
- Fitness Tutorials: Show “Correct Form vs. Wrong Form” simultaneously.
- Cooking Videos: Display ingredient prep on one side and cooking steps on the other.
- Travel Vlogs: Compare two destinations side by side.
- Music Videos: Show two performers singing/playing instruments at once.
- Gaming Streams: Combine face-cam reactions with live gameplay.
- Educational Content: Use split screens to highlight step-by-step processes.
Advanced Tips for Professional Results
- Use Matching Aspect Ratios: Always align videos with the same aspect ratio for a seamless split.
- Plan Ahead: Record videos keeping the split effect in mind (framing, lighting, orientation).
- Leverage InShot Pro: Unlock premium features like watermark removal, pro filters, and advanced editing tools.
- Experiment with Multiple Splits: Go beyond two screens. InShot allows creative layering to create 3-way or 4-way splits.
- Keep It Simple: Avoid cluttered designs. Focus on clarity and storytelling.
Optimizing Split Screen Videos for Social Media
Different platforms require different strategies. Here’s how to tailor your split screen videos for maximum engagement:
- Instagram Reels: Vertical split screens (9:16) work best. Keep videos under 60 seconds.
- TikTok: Use dynamic captions and effects to match trending sounds.
- YouTube: Horizontal split screens are ideal for tutorials and long-form content.
- Facebook: Both vertical and square formats work depending on your audience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlapping Audio: Don’t let both clips play sound simultaneously unless intentional.
- Poor Lighting: Ensure both videos have consistent lighting for a polished look.
- Cluttered Text: Avoid too much on-screen text; it distracts viewers.
- Uneven Proportions: Misaligned videos look unprofessional. Use guides.
- Low Resolution: Always export in at least 1080p for modern platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a split screen video in InShot?
A split screen video in InShot is when two or more video clips are displayed on the same screen at once. It’s often used to compare footage, show multiple perspectives, or create engaging side-by-side storytelling for social media platforms.
2. Do I need InShot Pro to make split screen videos?
No, you don’t necessarily need InShot Pro. The free version of InShot has the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) tool, which is essential for split screens. However, upgrading to Pro removes watermarks and unlocks advanced filters, transitions, and overlays, giving your videos a more professional finish.
3. How do I start creating a split screen video in InShot?
Open InShot, tap on Video, and choose your base video. Then, use the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) option to overlay another clip. Resize and align the videos to create either a vertical or horizontal split screen effect.
4. Can I split the screen more than two ways in InShot?
Yes, with the PIP feature you can add multiple overlays. This means you can create 3-way or 4-way split screens. While it takes some precision to align them correctly, it’s a great way to make creative multi-perspective videos.
5. Can I create split screen videos on both Android and iOS?
Yes, InShot works seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices. The process is the same across platforms, though performance may vary slightly depending on your phone’s processing power and available storage.
6. Is it possible to add borders between split screen clips?
Yes. InShot allows you to add borders or background colors to separate the clips visually. You can use the Canvas and Background tools to add white lines, black bars, or even gradient backgrounds between the videos.
7. How do I make sure both videos in the split screen are the same length?
Use the Trim tool in InShot to cut your clips so they match in duration. This helps synchronize the videos, especially if you’re comparing two scenes or syncing them to background music.
8. Can I add music or voiceovers to split screen videos?
Yes. InShot has a built-in audio library, and you can also upload your own tracks. You can mute one or both clips and replace them with background music, add a voiceover, or use sound effects to enhance storytelling.
9. What is the best aspect ratio for split screen videos?
The best aspect ratio depends on where you’re posting your content. For TikTok and Instagram Reels, use 9:16 vertical. For YouTube, 16:9 horizontal works best. For Facebook or Instagram feed posts, 1:1 square is ideal.
10. How do I synchronize two videos in a split screen?
Play both clips in preview mode and adjust the start time using the trim or cut tools. Align key moments so that the actions in both clips happen simultaneously. This is particularly useful for reaction videos or music-based edits.
11. Can I mix video and photo in a split screen?
Yes, InShot lets you overlay photos with videos. For example, you can put a still image of a product on one side and a demonstration video on the other. This works well for tutorials, marketing content, or creative collages.
12. How do I ensure my split screen video looks professional?
Keep both clips well-lit and shot in similar resolutions. Align the videos precisely, use matching aspect ratios, and avoid cluttered text. Adding simple borders, captions, and balanced audio will also make the final product look more polished.
13. Can I add text separately to each half of the split screen?
Yes, you can add text overlays in InShot and position them anywhere. For example, you can place “Before” on one half and “After” on the other. Each section of the split screen can have its own unique labels or captions.
14. Will split screen editing reduce video quality?
If done correctly, no. InShot allows exporting up to 1080p or 4K. However, if you use low-resolution clips, the final split screen may look pixelated. Always start with high-quality footage for the best results.
15. How long does it take to make a split screen video in InShot?
The time depends on the complexity of your edit. A simple two-clip side-by-side split can take 5–10 minutes, while multi-layered edits with text, filters, and synced audio may take 30 minutes or more.
16. Can I use split screen editing for reaction videos?
Yes, split screen editing is perfect for reaction videos. You can place the main content on one side and your reaction clip on the other. Muting one clip and adding commentary or background sound helps enhance the viewing experience.
17. Is InShot better than other apps for split screen editing?
InShot is one of the most user-friendly apps for split screen editing. While other apps like CapCut and KineMaster also support split screen effects, InShot’s simple interface, PIP tool, and customization options make it a strong choice for beginners and casual editors.
18. Can I use split screens for business and marketing content?
Absolutely. Businesses use split screen videos to showcase product comparisons, before-and-after transformations, or simultaneous demonstrations. InShot’s ability to add branding elements like text, stickers, and logos makes it highly useful for marketing.
19. What mistakes should I avoid when creating split screen videos?
Avoid mismatched resolutions, poor lighting, overlapping audio, and uneven alignment. Overcrowding your split screen with too many elements can also reduce clarity. Keep it simple and make sure your message is clear.
20. Can I directly upload split screen videos from InShot to social media?
Yes, after exporting, InShot allows you to share videos directly to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook. Make sure you select the correct aspect ratio and resolution for the platform before exporting for best results.
Conclusion
Creating split screen videos in InShot is easier than ever in 2025, thanks to the app’s intuitive interface and powerful editing tools.
Whether you’re producing content for fun, business, or social media growth, split screens can add a new dimension to your storytelling. With just a few steps—importing, resizing, aligning, and enhancing—you can turn basic clips into professional-quality videos.
As video content marketing continues to dominate platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, mastering techniques like split screens gives you a competitive edge.
InShot ensures you don’t need expensive gear or complex software to achieve stunning results. Now it’s your turn: grab your clips, open InShot, and start experimenting with split screens today.
The more creative you are, the more engaging your videos will be. In 2025, split screen editing is not just a trend—it’s a tool for capturing attention, increasing watch time, and standing out in the fast-paced world of digital media.